An Introduction To The Ministry of Deliverance

PART ONE – GENERAL OVERVIEW

This Course is not intended as an exhaustive study, but merely as an introduction to enable you to begin to minister to those who need to be set free. It is important to remember that deliverance is not for specialists – it is a ministry to be carried out by every believer.
In Mark 16:17 the words of our Lord Jesus as recorded concerning the signs that will follow those who believe in Him. “. . . In My Name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues. .”

♦ The commission to the twelve apostles – Matthew 10:1–8
Verse 1:“ . . . He gave them power over unclean spirits to cast them out and to heal the sick . . .”Verse 8:“Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.”

♦ The sending out of the seventy – Luke 10:17–20
Verse 19: “Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.”

♦ “So that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his (Paul) body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them.” Acts 19:12

1. QUALIFICATIONS
This ministry is for all believers: You need to be Spirit–filled (Acts 1:8). As the Holy Spirit dwells within you, you can rely upon Him to provide all that you need to do what you are commanded to do.
Jesus sent His disciples two by two – it is wise to have another believer with you, to pray with you, when ministering deliverance.
Remember that the best teacher is experience, and that you have to start somewhere. The more you flow in this ministry, the easier it becomes.
Hebrews 5:14: “ . . . by use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”

2. THE FOUNDATION OF OUR MINISTRY
Lay hold of two very simple but powerful truths:

♦ JESUS IS LORD
♦ SATAN IS DEFEATED
Colossians 2:15: “. . . having disarmed principalities and powers, He (Jesus) made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.”
Luke 10:19: “I (Jesus) give you authority . . .” Be “Jesus conscious”, rather than “demon conscious”.
Satan’s only power is that of deception. Our work is to enforce the victory which Jesus has already won at Calvary.

3. DELIVERANCE AND HEALING GO HAND–IN–HAND
The Scriptures record in many places how Jesus “Healed the sick and cast out demons”, or Cast out demons and healed those who were sick.”
“Also a multitude gathered from the surrounding cities to Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed.” Acts 5:16

4. DELIVERANCE CAN TAKE PLACE IN MANY WAYS
a) Many people receive their deliverance spontaneously when there is a move of the Holy Spirit in a corporate meeting, and the power of God falls upon people who are set free without anyone ministering to them.
b) Many people are delivered on their own by calling upon the name of the Lord. “ . . that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9–10. For with the heart one believes to righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made to salvation.”
c) Perhaps the best deliverances occur through meditation of the Word of God. “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:32. The entrance of His Word brings light and darkness is dispelled.

5. DELIVERANCE IS NOT TO BE SEEN AS A “QUICK FIX”
When someone has received ministry for deliverance, ongoing discipleship, encouragement and discipline is needed to help the person to really break free by the changing of habit patterns.
Consider the warning in Luke 11:24–26:
“When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places seeking rest; and finding none, he says, “I will return to my house from which I came. And when he comes, he finds it swept and put in order. Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more
wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first.”

If habits and thought–patterns are not thoroughly dealt with, the person can end up worse than before. It is dangerous to think that just one quick prayer followed by visible manifestations of deliverance, is the end of the matter.

6. DELIVERANCE SHOULD TAKE PLACE EARLY IN OUR WALK AS DISCIPLES
Here are some of the basics that need to be addressed. The person requiring deliverance needs to come to repentance and renunciation of their sins.

a) Unforgiveness – Matthew 18:34–35: “. . . delivered to torturers.” Make a firm decision to forgive. Thereafter – deal with your thoughts.
b) Renounce all involvement in the occult. Deuteronomy 18:10–11: “There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, or one who practices witchcraft……..”
c) Sexual sins-/iniquities (lawlessness). We need to deal with the greater majority of iniquities.
d) Pornography, X Rated films, perverted books.
e) Carnal behaviour, Galatians 5:19–21: “adultery, fornication, uncleanness, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like, …….such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

7. MANY CASES THAT REQUIRE DELIVERANCE ARE ROOTED IN SINS INFLICTED ON THE BELIEVER AND IN INHERITED SPIRITS
a) Traumatic experiences – Fear, abuse
b) Curses
c) Rejection (You are accepted in Jesus)
d) Sins of parents/ancestors – Exodus 20:5: (third and fourth generation) Friction between parents.

8. THE KINGDOM OF DARKNESS
The scriptures indicate that in the universe and surrounding the earth there is a kingdom of darkness. Satan has control of this kingdom and under his authority there are fallen angels and demon spirits. (Matthew 12:25-26; Luke 11:14-19).

What is a demon?

Demons are evils spirits without bodies, under Satan’s authority, who seek to harass people and if possible oppress them (See Matthew 12:43-45).

The three primary views

♦They are angels who fell with Satan, some of which are bound while others are still loose (Psalm78:49).

♦They are the disembodied spirits of a pre-adamic race of beings, or some similar creation who fell when Satan and his angels fell.

♦They are the spirits of the unnatural offspring of angels (the sons of God) and antediluvian women (a time of wickedness before the flood) in the days of Noah (Genesis 6:1-6).

When given the opportunity, a demonic spirit torments or manipulates the person in various ways. It is possible for demons to inhabit animal bodies to express their destructive nature (Mark 5:1-20; Matthew 8:29; John13:27).

How are we “demonized”?

Many Christians are appalled if it is suggested that they might be “demon possessed” – meaning that they are “owned” by demons. The actual Greek word used in the New Testament is translated as “demonized” – affected or influenced by demons. Evil spirits do
actually “occupy” our beings and so need to be cast out. The concept of “possession” and ownership” are very different.
An example of this is if you agree to lease a dwelling from the owner, you pay him the first rental and you are then given the keys and you move in and take possession. The landlord still remains the owner. The evil spirits in Christians are really just “lodgers” that need to be
evicted or ejected, (cast out).Once the “legal possession” held by the demons has been removed by repentance then the evil spirits simply have to depart when commanded to do so.
We read in John10:10 “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy”. These spirits attack mankind spiritually, morally, mentally, physically and emotionally.
Since a believer has been purchased by the Lord Jesus Christ we often hear the anguished response “But if I am filled with the Holy Spirit, how can that be possible? Surely I cannot have demons in me, and the Holy Spirit at the same time?”
That difficulty brings about a confused theory that Christians can only be “oppressed” or influenced by evil spirits from the outside.
This is made worse by a failure to understand the meaning of the word “possessed” which implies “ownership”.
In listening to many stories of Christians a clear pattern emerges in a large majority of cases.
We can be brought into a state of demonic bondage through the sins and iniquities that others inflict upon us, rather than through our own wilful disobedience. Mostly it is the traumatic experiences of the first ten or so years of life, which create the openings for evil
spirits to enter.

Sadly this same principle can continue to operate throughout our lives, regardless of our ages. Evil spirits get into people both before and after their experience of coming to know Jesus.

Anger – Defiles our spirit

Being angry may win a moment, but it is not to be allowed to win a match. The Greek word for PLACE is TOPOS from the root English words “Topograph” which relates to “mapping”. The word is translated in New Testament as “room” or “place” and metaphorically “opportunity” or “occasion”. It is very clear that evil spirits can gain entrance into our very beings, if given the opportunity. Paul’s epistle to the Ephesians was written to Christians in Ephesus. This passage alone is sufficient scriptural support to disprove the teaching that says “Christians cannot have demons in them”.
In Ephesians 4:27 the emphasis from Paul is that believers can actually give ground “place” in their lives to satanic control. This is a warning against theologized suppositions that argue against the possibility that demonic vexing or oppression may succeed with Christians. Paul makes a clear command in Ephesians 5:14 that responsible believers cannot glibly
blame the devil for sin they yield to in CARNAL DISOBEDIENCE. Paul also wrote a warning against “deceiving” spirits and doctrines of demons.
1 Timothy 4:1 – “Now the Spirit expressly (explicitly) says that in latter times some will depart from the faith giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons.”

The Holy Spirit speaks prophetically (latter times) the period of time between the first coming and the seconding of Christ. Deceiving spirits or false teachers will be teaching doctrines inspired by Satan. They may even lead astray careless leaders. See John 8:44 and 1 John 4:1-6.
The devil would love Christians to believe that they cannot have evil spirits in them. As long as they believe that LIE, they cannot be set free.
This lie is a false doctrine inspired by deceiving spirits in Ephesians 4:26 “Be angry and do not sin”
There are different Greek words used in the New Testament for “ANGER”

The above passage describes an intense anger, which is lasting in its nature. The word for Anger here is “enraged” Greek “orgizo” – be provoked to anger, furious and raging with a desire for revenge, a passion that will terminate by attempting to kill.
This is in contrast to the explosive kind of anger, which results in an outburst of wrath.
Those outbursts bring relief to the one who exploded – and everyone in the vicinity becomes a victim of his wrath.
No form of anger should be acceptable in a true Christian. The anger in Eph. 4:26 can open the door for a host of evil spirits to come in.

Again in Ephesians 4:22-23 we read, “that you put off concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lust and be renewed in the spirit “Pneuma” of your mind.”

HAVING A FRESH MENTAL AND SPIRITUAL ATTITUDE
When we manifest a wrong attitude, it always indicates that we have a wrong spirit. Usually that is brought on by anger in one form or another.

AN UPRISING OF OUR HUMAN SPIRIT
The impact of the sin of someone else causes our own spirit (or anger) to rise up. The doorway is then open and the evil spirits come into us. Our own spirit becomes defiled and we show our condition by the spirit or attitude that we display.

PART TWO – HOW TO MINISTER DELIVERANCE

1. CORRECTION REVEALS THE NEED
The preaching and the teaching of God’s Word is a confrontation of light against darkness, and reveals to people their need to be set free.
It is probably a true statement that mostly the unbeliever is potentially demonized.
Ephesians 2:1–3, “we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of the flesh…..”

2. DO NOT PRESSURIZE PEOPLE INTO RECEIVING MINISTRY
Read and meditate on (then let them come to you) – Confess to one another therefore your faults (your slips, your false steps,
your offenses, your sins) and pray [also] for one another, that you may be healed and restored [to a spiritual tone of mind and heart]. The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working.” James 5:16:
(AMP.).

I AM FULLY PERSUADED THAT REPENTANCE ISTHE ONE VITAL KEY TO RECEIVING DELIVERANCE.

It is better, in most cases,

  •  to meet with and talk to the person requiring ministry
  •  to allow that person to speak freely, allowing the needs to be exposed
  •  and allow the Holy Spirit to prepare the way.

3. THE 45:10:45 PRINCIPLES (Deliverance Principle):
45% of the counselling is taken up with diagnostic procedures – establishing the root cause of the problem.
10% of the time is for ministry and prayer.
45% is for follow–up counselling, direction and giving of “homework”

4. DIAGNOSTIC
Always commence any ministry session with prayer, in agreement, calling on the Holy Spirit for help and declaring the victory of Jesus on the cross and the value of His shed blood.
There are no two cases that are identical, and a formula that worked in one case, will not work in another.
Remember that as people speak, the roots of their problems will become exposed. The true root of the problem is exposed right at the end of the session.

BE CAREFUL NOT TO MAKE PEOPLE DEMON CONSCIOUS.

Keep in mind the need that almost without exception; the person requiring deliverance needs to forgive some person or persons.

5. DON’T TRY TO HANDLE EVERYTHING AT ONCE
The principle is very clearly set out in the passage in Deuteronomy 7:22–26.
The principle is to handle strongholds “little by little” – step–by–step.

6. THE PRAYER FOR DELIVERANCE:
Remember the authority you have in the name of Jesus. Speak out the word the Holy Spirit gives you.
e.g. “You demon spirit of fear, I rebuke you”, would effectively deliver someone, but this could also be done with the words, “I loose you from fear”.
Jesus cast out the spirits “with a word”, e.g. Luke 13:12 – “Woman you are loosed from your infirmity.”

There is no need to shout or raise your voice. The person being ministered to must be asked to cooperate – to share with you thoughts, feelings and memories, as they are experienced. Don’t rush. If need be, have a break.

Encourage the person to pray, renouncing sin, calling on the name of Jesus and rebuking the stronghold.

  • Pray in the Spirit
  • Quote the Word of God
  • Praise God

Be very sensitive to the person you are ministering to.

Here is a useful prayer, suggested by Dr. Derek Prince, to lead the person through:–
“Lord Jesus Christ, I believe you died on the Cross for my sins and rose again from the dead. You redeemed me by your blood and I belong to you, and I want to live for you. I confess all my sins – known and unknown – I am sorry for them all. I renounce them all. I forgive all others as I want you to forgive me. Forgive me now and cleanse me with your blood. I thank you for the blood of Jesus Christ which cleanses me now from all sin. And I come to you now as my deliverer. You know my special needs – the thing that binds, that torments, that defiles; that evil spirit, that unclean spirit – I claim the promise of your word, “Whosoever that calls on the Name of the Lord shall be delivered.” I call upon you now. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, deliver me and set me free. Satan, I renounce you and all your works.
I loose myself from you, in the name of Jesus, and I command you to leave me right now, in Jesus’ name. Amen!”

7. SOMETIMES YOU WILL BE ABLE TO PHYSICALLY DISCERN THE MANIFESTATIONS OF A DEMON

NEVER close your eyes when ministering deliverance.

Flickering eyelids
Flaring of nostrils
Trance–like stare
Tongue – sticks out of flicks in and out
Posture
Facial distortions or tics
Hands or fingers become rigid or numb
Strange or unnatural sounds
Different accent or voice
Inability to sit still
Restlessness or violent aggressive movements
Odours
Cry, cough, sigh, and yawn
(There does not have to be any manifestations.)

8. PEOPLE BECOME AWARE THAT THEY NEED DELIVERANCE
Some just know that they have a demon controlling or tormenting them, and will approach you for assistance. They may have become aware of this through uncontrollable moods and habits. Sometimes they have persistent nightmares, see apparitions or are aware of supernatural activity. Common indications are falling asleep or finding the eyes closing when reading the word of God, praying or being present in Church when the Word is preached. Being unable to enter into praise is often an indication.

9. SOME HINTS:

  • Minister in a quiet place free from disturbances, and phone calls.
  • Don’t have little children or animals present when ministering.
  • Don’t work as a male/female alone with a person of the opposite sex. Always have a

partner of the same sex as the person present – or his/her spouse.

PART THREE – HOW TO RETAIN YOUR DELIVERANCE

After Deliverance has been ministered, new patterns of thought and behaviour have to be established. Alternatively, sometimes when these new patterns and personal disciplines are applied, deliverance, or further deliverance can take place. Evil spirits desire a body through which to function – it is always their desire to return to their “house” after they have been expelled. They will return through the pathway of SIN
– sin in thought, word or action.

We do well to remember the warning in the Scripture that a demon, if allowed to return, will bring seven others worse than itself with it – Luke 11:24–26; Matthew 12:43–45.

1. EVERYONE HAS AT LEAST ONE AREA OF WEAKNESS
The Word of God is always tested. Once we receive the truth of God’s Word, there will be a testing – the devil will try to get back what he lost, and God will allow it because He desires us to grow into maturity in the testing. Desire to be like those young men that the Apostle John wrote about.
“I have written to you young men, because you are strong and the Word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the wicked one.” 1 John 2:14
“For the kingdom of God . . . righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”
We can test ourselves. If any of the above ingredients are missing, we have probably given the devil a foothold once again.
1“Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil.” Ephesians 4:26–27

2. CONTROLLING YOUR THOUGHTS IS THE KEY TO STAYING FREE
Consider 2 Corinthians 10:3 – 6:
“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds (a feeling of hopelessness) arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of
God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience if fulfilled.”

  • First a thought
  • High thing – a truth against God’s Word.
  • Argument in your mind. It becomes a big imagination.

Thoughts can come to us spontaneously, or they are sparked off from an outside stimulus which we pick up through one of the five senses – Sight, Hearing, Smell, Taste or Touch.
(Social sins)
Stop thinking the evil – think on something good. Think on the good word of the Lord!
“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things.”
Philippians 4:8

3. IN MOST CASES, FURTHER MINISTRY IS REQUIRED
Beware of pride. Pride will keep you from seeking further assistance.
Remember James 5:16, (“. . . confess to one another . . .”) referred to earlier.
Remember that it takes a LONG TIME to break a habit. “One can chase a thousand; two can chase ten thousand . . .”

4. PRACTICAL ADVICE
a) Be careful not to mix in the wrong company. Memorise the Scripture found in. 1 Corinthians 15:33“Do not be deceived: evil company corrupts good habits.”
Proverbs teaches us that the wise man chooses his friends carefully.
b) Be careful what you watch or read. “I will set nothing wicked (worthless) before my eye.” (Or ears). Psalm 101:3:
c) Live in right relationship. Quickly sort out any offences, hurts or misunderstandings according to Scripture. “Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have
gained your brother.”
Matthew 18:15. BEWARE of returning thoughts of resentment from past hurts. This is one of the most common causes of Deliverance being lost.
d) Do not neglect your devotional time – Psalm 1. Play praise music in your home. Pray often to the Lord.
e) Be committed to your Home or Connect Group, where you will receive encouragement and continue to grow.
“And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Hebrews 10:24–25
Also attend Celebration meetings regularly and be open to respond to the ministry of the Holy Spirit.
f) Deal ruthlessly with sin in your life. There is immediate cleansing in the blood of Jesus.
g) “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:7–9
h) Control the use of your tongue. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” Proverbs 18:21
i) “Walk CLEAN before God. KEEP yourself, and be assured that when you do so the wicked one cannot touch you (Take heed to yourself).”

“We know that whoever is born of God does not (habitually) sin; but he who has been born of God KEEPS (GUARDS) himself, and the wicked one does not touch him.” 1 John 5:18

Let this become a way of life for you